What The Bosses Say - Latics v Villa

Ahead of the Wigan Athletic v Aston Villa clash at the DW Stadium on Saturday, Latics boss Roberto Martinez and Villa assistant boss Gary McAllister have spoken about the game, let`s see what the have had to say about the upcoming fixture:

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

'Training has gone very well this week, the weather has allowed us to use the training ground and the players are in a great moment both mentally and physically, excited about the fixture we have coming up.

'From our entire squad we could be without eight players for Saturday, which is a big number.

'The injuries and suspensions we have picked up put us in a difficult situation but to be honest it's been handled as a challenge to the rest of the squad who are desperate to get on the pitch and show what they can do.'

Speaking on Villa Martinez continues:

'I don't think you can look too much into the recent performances of Aston Villa, and certainly not into the negative press they've received lately'

'What is clear is that Gerard Houllier is a Manager with huge experience and with any new project things are going to take time to get them just how you want them.

'When you look at the position Villa find themselves in it's not a realistic one and I've no doubt they'll be in the top-ten come the end of the season.

'They have players who'll demand concentration from our defence, players like Stewart Downing, Marc Albrighton. Ashley Young and as we all know Emile Heskey, all of whom bring a real goal threat.

'But for us we're playing at home and as always we'll look to take responsibility, continuing the good football we're playing at the moment.'

Villa assistant Gary McAllister:

'We cannot look any further than Wigan at present.

'We won't go there to defend and try and nick a point, we'll be going there to win. Wigan play an open game so it should be a good match.

'No disrespect to Wigan but it is not a footballing area. It is most definitely a rugby league area and Dave Whelan has done an amazing job to build that club to where it is.

'There has been big investment and all credit to the guy. They have done well to get to the Premier League.

'Roberto plays in a certain way. All the teams he's managed all try to get the ball down and pass it and it won't be any different against us. We're aware of that.

'I think they're very good in possession and they've got some dangerous players who we'll speak about before we go up there but we've got to be concentrating on what we're doing.

'We'll give them the respect that they deserve but we've got to try and get some sort of little run going.'

Rugby League? Come on Gazza cut it out

Latics and Proud

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But he's right about Rugby League surely? Why else then is the DW half empty to the likes of Man United, Chelsea etc? Why don't the Wigan fans all congregate in the home end behind the goal and make it intimidating like most grounds?